Why Waiting to Travel Could Be the Biggest Mistake of Your Life

Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about the adventures that await in the far corners of the world? The thrill of gorilla trekking, the awe-inspiring vistas beneath the waves in the Galápagos Islands, and countless other experiences that seem just out of reach, often because they carry a hefty price tag. It’s a common dilemma: should we postpone these pricier adventures for a time in our lives when we’re financially ‘better off’? This question isn’t just about financial wisdom; it’s about how we choose to live our lives, to prioritize moments that we’ll cherish forever over the accumulation of things.

“Travel Trip Planning ” by Rawpixel Ltd is licensed under CC CC0 1.0

A few years back, I found myself grappling with this very question. Lying on what felt like my deathbed, the prospect of never embarking on another adventure was the thought that haunted me the most. Thankfully, life had other plans, and here I am, healthier and hungrier for the world than ever before. But that experience left an indelible mark on me. It taught me the irreplaceable value of experiences and the profound regret of missed opportunities. Perhaps, like me, you’re seeking reassurance that it’s okay to invest in those experiences that truly matter to us, even if it means splurging on travel now, rather than waiting for ‘someday’.

The reality is, travel requires two critical resources: time and money. And life has a funny way of ensuring we’re often short on both simultaneously. You might be navigating the early stages of your career, juggling family commitments, or saving for a rainy day—all legitimate reasons that make planning a trip seem daunting. The logistical hurdles alone, from booking flights to finding accommodation, not to mention the need for vaccinations and the right gear, can be enough to put anyone off. Add financial considerations into the mix, and it’s no wonder many of us keep pushing our dream trips further into the future.

If there’s anything my near-death experience taught me, it’s that waiting for the ‘perfect’ time can mean missing out on the life you’re meant to live. The world is brimming with breathtaking experiences that won’t wait for us. The vibrant ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands, the majestic gorillas in the mist—these wonders don’t pause. Our financial situation might improve with time, but our ability to explore the world with the same vigor and curiosity won’t. Aging is an inevitable part of life, and with it comes limitations that we might not anticipate now.

So, how do we reconcile our wanderlust with our wallets? First, it’s essential to acknowledge that travel doesn’t have to break the bank. There are countless ways to explore the world on a budget. Booking trips during off-peak times, opting for less expensive destinations, using public transport, and staying in guesthouses or with locals through platforms like Couchsurfing can significantly reduce costs. These choices might require us to step out of our comfort zones, but isn’t that what travel is all about?

The recent global pandemic has underscored the fragility of our plans. Many of us have seen our travel dreams deferred by forces beyond our control. Yet, this crisis has also highlighted the importance of supporting the travel industry. By opting to postpone, rather than cancel our trips, we play a part in sustaining the businesses that will enable our future adventures. The travel and tourism sector, a vital source of employment for millions worldwide, is facing unprecedented challenges. Choosing to delay our trips rather than scrapping them altogether can make a difference.

In these trying times, the mantra ‘postpone, don’t cancel’ has become a beacon of hope for an industry on its knees. It’s a reminder that while our travel plans might be on hold, our dreams don’t have to be. This period of uncertainty offers us a chance to plan more mindfully, to save diligently, and to dream bigger. It’s an opportunity to reflect on what truly matters to us and to prioritize experiences over possessions.

“Why You Should Plan Your Vacation NOW” shared by YouTube channel: Wolters World

We often hear that we should work hard, save every penny, and enjoy a peaceful retirement. But what if that’s a flawed blueprint for a fulfilling life? What if, instead, we chose to sprinkle our lives with meaningful experiences along the way? ‘Die With Zero’ by Bill Perkins challenges the conventional wisdom that pushes us to defer our desires until retirement. It implores us to consider the true value of time, to invest in experiences that enrich our lives and to embrace the moments we have with the people we love.

John’s story is a powerful testament to this philosophy. Diagnosed with terminal cancer at 35, he and his wife chose to spend their remaining time making memories rather than postponing their dreams. Though extreme, John’s experience underscores a universal truth: our time on Earth is finite, and how we choose to spend it matters deeply.

As someone who once faced the possibility of never traveling again, I know too well the weight of deferred dreams. It’s why I’m advocating for seizing the day, for making those dream trips a reality sooner rather than later. Yes, it requires careful planning and sometimes making sacrifices in other areas of our lives. But the rewards—the stories, the memories, the sheer joy of discovery—are immeasurable.

The question isn’t whether we should spend money on travel; it’s whether we can afford not to. The world is vast, life is short, and the experiences we collect along the way are the truest treasures we can possess. So let’s make those plans, take those trips, and fill our lives with adventures that will warm our hearts for years to come. Because in the end, the risk of regret from not having traveled is far greater than the cost of any trip.

Remember, it’s not about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain. Embrace the adventure, and never stop exploring. After all, the best stories are found between the pages of a passport.